Game successively utilizing selectively positionable gear playing pieces varying in pitch radii



J y 1965 w. H. SCHAPER 3,193,293

. GAME SUCCESSIVELY UTILIZING SELECTIVELY POSITIONABLE GEAR PLAYING PIECES VARYING' IN PITCH RADII Filed Aug. 22, 1962 r 2 Sheets-Sheet l flvvzwroe Mann/150M1 5? flrroemws July 6, 1965 w. H. SCHAPER 3,193,293

POSITIONABLE H 1mm GAME SUGGESSIVELY UTILIZING SELECTIVELY GEAR PLAYING PIECES VARYING IN PITC Filed Aug. 22, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 GOOD United States Patent 3,193,293 GAME S IKIiIESSlVELY UTILiZlNG SELECTEVE- LY PGSKTIUNABLE GEAR FLAYiNG PiEiIES VARYIPJG 1N FETCH RAlDli William Huhert Schaper, Minneapolis, Minn, assignor to Schaper Manufacturing Qc-mpany, Inca, iidinneapolis, Niinm, a corporation of liviinuesota Filed Aug. 22, 1962, er. No. 213,616 2 Claims. (Cl. 273-135) This invention relates to a game for competitive pla ing by a number of individuals, or for solitaire play where one or more sets of gears or equivalent rotary driving elements are utilized as playing pieces in combination with a playing board having provision for pivotal mounting of said gears in a great variety of selective positions and where each set of gears comprises individual gears varying considerably in pitch radii, but all having teeth of the same pitch and space.

Certain elementary gear sets have been previously used in the prior art to entertain and instruct children and others in the basic principles of gear relations and their functions.

It is an object of my present invention to provide a gear game of the type described where through successive selection and play of gears from the set, winning of the game depends on mental processes, knowledge of gear combinations relative to pivot positions on the board, and visual estimate of distances transversely and diagonally between pivot locations for the respective sizes of gears employed, akin in several respects to the playing of a game such as chess.

More specifically, it is an object to provide a game of the class described wherein a generally horizontal game board is provided with a great multiplicity of predeterminately arranged pivot positions or sockets for receiving selectively, gears of a set which vary in pitch radii, and wherein the playing pieces constitute for each player, a set of gears of said varying pitch radii, and wherein for each player a starting pivot position on the board is provided as Well as a predeterminately positioned winner gear spaced a substantial distance on the board from and preferably in opposite relation to said starting pivot position. The combination of said structural features enables each player to successively in turn select a starting gear, and thereafter successive gears from his set, with the ultimate objective of successively building a gear train extending to and drivably connected with his winner gear. Gears on the board positioned by another player may be utilized in the first players gear train.

A further object is the provision of such game apparatus wherein the pitch radii of the several dii'lerently sized gears are related with the predetermined pivot position points on the game board to facilitate diagonal relation and intermeshing of certain combinations of gears, as well as to provide for longitudinal and transverse line intermeshing of certain other gear combinations. This structural combination makes possible a great variety of ultimate gear trains for each player, a number of which in successive play and sometimes with help from some of the gears played by an opponent, will ultimately interconnect a players starting gear with his winner gear at the opposite side of the board, but likewise such variety of intermeshing of variable size gears presents pitfalls where ultimate interconnection with the winner gear is practically impossible.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will be more fully apparent from the following description made in conjunction with the drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective View showing an embodiment of my game apparatus with a single train of gears successively formed, which lead to and drivably connect the winner gear with the selectively positioned starting gear;

FIG. 2 is a detail vertical section taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 3 showing two gears of different pitch radii intermeshed on the playing board;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view showing in detail, the lay-out and pivot positions of approximately half of the playing board with a number of gears of difierent pitch radii selectively positioned thereon, as in the course of play of said embodiment; and

FIG. 4 is a detail cross section taken diametrically through one of the gears detached, on an enlarged scale.

While it will be understood that a large number of predetermined layouts of the pivot positions on the game board is possible, I will describe as exemplary, one of several preferred forms where spaced lines of pivoting positions or holes are provided in the game board, making possible the meshing of certain combinations of gears along the general lines enumerated and also diagonally across two or more of the spaced line arrangements.

In the example herein illustrated, a substantially rigid playing board of generally rectangular form is provided, supported if desired by a plurality of feet F, as shown integrally formed therewith, four of which are at the corners of the board B, end four of which are shown as intermediately disposed between the corners of board B. Board B as shown is provided with a great multiplicity of gear-pivoting elements, most simply formed by circular apertures 7, each of which is adapted to engage a depending axial pivot pin supplied by the several gears of this apparatus. The stock of board B is of suificient thickness to nicely journal such pivot pin.

In the example illustrated, four pivot apertures are disposed of the board arranged in the formation of a square and defining the corners thereof, such square arrangement being identified by the letter a. Surrounding this arrangement a is a larger square arrangement of pivot apertures, designated at b, spaced as shown a distance from the central arrangement (1 equal to the distance between apertures 7 in arrangement a, but containing many more pivot apertures 7 which are spaced apart half of the distance of the spacing of apertures 7 in the first square 0. A third square arrangement c of pivot apertures is circumscribed about the second arrangement b and is spaced therefrom a distance equal to the spacing of the corner pivot apertures of the central arrangement a. The pivot apertures 7 in arrangement 0 are spaced apart the same distance as in arrangement a. A fourth square arrangement of pivot apertures d is circumscribed about square arrangement 0 in the same spaced arrangement as the other square arrangements, but here the individual apertures 7 are spaced halt the distance apart as in arrangements a and c.

In addition to square arrangements of apertures previously recited along each side of the board and parallel thereto and also extending parallel to the adjacent side of the last square arrangement d are straight line series 2 of pivot apertures '7, spaced apart the same distance as in square arrangement 0 and extending from one corner of the board to a point opposite to a special aperture designated as w for receiving the pivot pin of a players winner gear W, later to be described. The first aperture 7 of each straight line series e immediate ly adjacent one corner of the board constitutes the starting pivot aperture for one of the players and is so indicated in the board, referred to as a play-starting station.

'where the numbers add up to four, such astwo a gears, or a 1 gear and a 3 gear, will match in many' The spacing of the concentric square series of apertures a, b, c, d and line series e, and the spacing of the individual apertures in each of said series is very important, as will hereafter be pointed out in the description or" the pitch radii of the several sized gear playing pieces, to enable certain combinations of different gears to be meshed when in diagonally disposed lines as well as other series to be meshed when in transverse or longitudinally disposed lines. 7

Referring now to the gear sets of the embodiment of the invention illustrated, it'will first be pointed out that for each player (four in all) a winner gear W is journaled one for each player, in the respective winner gear pivot apertures w. Said winner gears W may if desired, be permanently attached to the board and in the example shown are of a number 2 pitch radius and they each carry an arm projecting laterally therefrom, carrying on the upper surface for visual detection, a word such as winner. Normally this arm is covered in each instance by a small rectangular cover plate 8 which may be integrally molded, formed or otherwise applied to the'board, one for each winner gear, adjacent the marginal edge thereof, and slotted at said edge, its edge near the respective winner gear to, when the gear is turned in proper direction, permit the winner arm to be exposed.

A set of playing pieces'in the form of gears of varying pitch radii including one of said winner gears are provided for each player and these may be distinguished for each player by a diiierent color. .In the example shown a set of gears includes two larger No. 6 gears, two No.

gears, two No. 4 gears, three No. 3 gears and two No. 2 gears in addition to the No. 2 winner g While a great variety of sets of horizontal and vertical matching gears and diagonal matching gears may be provided, in the embodiment as illustrated, gear pairs of the holes on the board, either in vertical or transverse series. Other gear combinations which add up to eight, such as the 2 and the 6 gears, andthe 3 and the 5' gears will'match in pairs in cross or'vertical series.

on the other hand, several pair-series of matching gears with particular spacing of numerous pairs of the tapertures are found diagonally of the board, such as pairs of gears which add up to seven. Thus the 1 and 6 gears,

the 2 and 5 gears, and the 3 and 4 gears'will be matched in several arrangements of the diagonally disposed apertures on the board.

Another series of diagonal matching gears or close combinations in close hole patterns are found in a' pair of number 3 gears, and multiples which add up to ten such as the 6 and the 4 gears, and 5 gears. V

Preferably an information sheet is supplied with the game apparatus, which shows said combinations of matching gear sets although this is not essential to the invention or the playing of the game with the game apparatus.

The starting apertures for playing the game are marked 7-s on the drawings, one being disposed in each corner of the board. The player starting from one of these positions has the task of play-by-play adding meshing gears if possible, to ultimately form a gear train which will engage and operate his winner gear W disposed diagonally opposite on the board. The first player to complete said train and turn' his winner gear, display- The game of course may be played in several ways I 'with'the game apparatus of my invention but requires ingenuity, strategy and skill in any instance. 7

4 Simplest method of'competitive play Taking turns in clockwise rotation, each player places a gear of his own choosing on the playing field in any desired open aperture thereof. Once a player selects a gear he cannot exchange it, but must play it. The other players follow in clockwise rotation. On succeeding turns, each player may place another gear or move one of his gears already on the playing field, or he may pass. Thus each player attempts to successively build a gear train extending between his respective winner; gear and his starting gear position. The first player who can turn his starting gear expose his winner flag Wins the game.

Solitaire playi Play with chance-determining medium such as a die or spinner To start the game each player selects a set of gears and a starting corner. Each player s winner flag is attached to the.winner gear W in the diagonally opposite corner. Each player rolls the die. The player rolling the highest number starts. The first player rolls the die and places the gear of the number rolled wherever he wishes on the playing field and the other players follow in clockwise rotation. On succeeding turns, each player, after rolling the die may placeanother gear of the number rolled on the playing field, or move one of his gears of that number already on the playing field, or he may pass. Here again the first player who can expose his winner flag or arm W-a by turning the starting gear in the starting corner,

wins the game. Players may :Work through their opponents gears in any manner desired in building their re.- spective trains. No player is allowed to place a gear in a position which locks his own or his opponents gear train. No player is allowed toblock his opponents winner gear. ,1): he does so,.his opponent may remove the that two or more starting positions and terminal winner skill in the successful playing thereof. V

It'will or course be understood that various changes gear positions are provided by the game board of the apparatus and that competitive play, with opportunity for matching or meshing of selective gears of one player with positioned gears of another player to the ultimate end that a continuous gear train is formed between starting gear and winner gear is provided.

My invention provides apparatus for an action and competitive game combining luck, strategy, experience and may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the parts without departing from the scope of my invention.

I Where hereafter in the appended claims the term gears is used, it contemplates the wide meaning of rotary disc members such as friction discs and other driving and driven elements peripherally associated to provide for driving and formation of a train. I

What is claimed is:

1. Game apparatus having in combination,

a substantially horizontal playing and support board,

having a multiplicity of variously and predeterminatesnesgaes ly spaced gear-pivoting elements, said elements extending in rows, some of which are disposed in parallel relation transversely of said board and some rows of which extend parallel but diagonally of said board,

a set of removably positionable playing gears including a plurality of gears Which have different pitch radii,

said pitch radii all corresponding to the spaced relationship of some pairs of said gear-pivoting elements in either said transverse or diagonal rows,

a winner gear rotatably mounted in a predetermined position on said playing board,

said board having a starting gear-pivoting element and a starting gear disposed in remote and opposed relation to said winner gear,

and the other and multiplicity of spaced gear-pivoting elements extending generally between said Winner gear and said starting gear-pivoting element, said removably positionable playing gears being selectively positionable in mesh with one or more of gears previously positioned on said board, sometimes in transverse rows and sometimes in diagonal row relations,

said winner gear having an indicator arm projecting laterally therefrom,

and a cover plate afiixed to said board for normally covering said indicator arm but for permitting the same to show when said winner gear is turned in a predetermined manner.

2. Competitive-play, game apparatus having in cornbina-tion a substantially horizontal playing and support boa-rd,

having a plurality of play-starting stations and a plurality of starting gears at predetermined, Widely space-d positions along the marginal portion thereof,

a pluarlity of winner gears corresponding in number to said play-starting stat-ions and starting gears and rotatably disposed upon said board in remote and opposed relation, respeotively, to said corresponding stations,

said board having a multiplicity of variously and predeterminately spaced gear-pivoting elements thereon extending in rows generally transversely and also obliquely of the board and located in the large area thereof between said starting stations and said Winner gears,

a plurality of sets of removably and selectively positionable playing gears corresponding in the number of said sets to said starting stations and winner gears,

each set including a plurality of gears which have different pitch radii corresponding in each instance to the spacing of some of the adjacent pairs of gearpivoting elements arranged either in said transverse rows or in said oblique rows on said board,

means associated with said winner gears for indicating When said winner gears are rotated in a predetermined direction,

said means including a substantially radial signal arm extending from each of said Winner gears, and a narrow cover plate attached to said board for each winner gear normally covering said arm but permitting said arm to be exposed when its winner gear is turned by gear-train connection with the appropriate starting gear.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,095,046 10/37 Wilmer 273-l53 DELBERT B. LOWE, Primary Examiner. 

1. GAME APPARATUS HAVING AN COMBINATION, A SUBSTANTIALLY HORIZONTAL PLAYING AND SUPPORT BOARD, HAVING A MULTIPLICITY OF VARIOUSLY AND PREDETERMINATELY SPACED GEAR-PIVOTING ELEMENTS, SAID ELEMENTS EXTENDING IN ROWS, SOME OF WHICH ARE DISPOSED IN PARALLEL RELATION TRANSVERSELY OF SAID BOARD AND SOME ROWS OF WHICH EXTEND PARALLEL BUT DIAGONALLY OF SAID BOARD, A SET OF REMOVABLY POSITIONABLE PLAYING GEARS INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF GEARS WHICH HAVE DIFFERENT PITCH RADII, SAID PITCH RADII ALL CORRESPONDING TO THE SPACED RELATIONSHIP OF SOME PAIRS OF SAID GEAR-PIVOTING ELEMENTS IN EITHER SAID TRANSVERSE OR DIAGONAL ROWS, A "WINNER" GEAR ROTATABLY MOUNTED IN A PREDETERMINED POSITION ON SAID PLAYING BOARD, SAID BOARD HAVING A "STARTING" GEAR-PIVOTING ELEMENT AND "STARTING GEAR" DISPOSED IN REMOTE AND OPPOSED RELATION TO SAID "WINNER GEAR," AND THE OTHER AND MULTIPLICITY OF SPACED GEAR-PIVOTING ELEMENTS EXTENDING GENERALLY BETWEN SAID "WINNER"D GEAR AND SAID "STARTING" GEAR-PIVOTING ELEMENT, SAID REMOVABLY POSITIONABLE PLAYING GEARS BEING SELECTIVELY POSITIONABLE IN MESH WITH ONE OR MORE OF GEARS PREVIOUSLY POSITIONED ON SAID BOARD, SOMETIMES IN TRANSVERSE ROWS AND SOMETIMES IN DIAGONAL ROW RELATIONS, SAID "WINNER" GEAR HAVING AN INDICATOR ARM PROJECTING LATERALY THEREFROM, AND A COVER PLATE AFFIXED TO SAID BOARD FOR NORMALLY COVERING SAID INDICATOR ARM BUT FOR PERMITTING THE SAME TO SHOW WHEN SAID "WINNER" GEAR IS TURNED IN A PREDETERMINED MANNER. 